Refrigerator

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a refrigerator having a door, a tiltable pocket, shelf or bin including a suspension projection, a pair of connecting shafts coupling the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin to the door, and a tilt stopper on a surface of the refrigerator coupled to one of the connecting shafts that prevent the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin from rotating beyond a predetermined angle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0165682, filed on Dec. 27, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator having a tiltable bin, shelf and/or pocket structure.

BACKGROUND

In general, a refrigerator is used to freeze or refrigerate food or the like and has a case divided into a freezer and a cold storage space therein. In this case, the freezer and the cold storage space have a plurality of shelves (not illustrated) for storing food. A shelf or pocket for containing a beverage bottle is inside the door of the freezer and the cold storage space.

When a pocket or shelf is fixed to the inside of the door, it may be difficult for a user to get beverage bottles, or the like, into and out of the pocket or shelf A tiltable pocket structure that rotates the pocket forward slightly when the user uses the pocket may improve the storage function and convenience of the refrigerator. A diagram illustrating the tiltable pocket structure is illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a related art pocket structure in which the pocket/shelf is not tilted.

The tiltable pocket 11 is connected to a hinge 12 of a tilt case 10, and the hinge 12 serves as a rotation shaft. A hanger 14 in the tilt case 10 enables a stopper 13 on the tiltable pocket 11 to contact the tilt case 10. Therefore, the tiltable pocket 11 may be configured to rotate only a certain distance.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the related art tiltable pocket, tilted forward.

However, when the tiltable pocket structure is equipped with the tilt case 10 and the hinge 12, manufacturing costs increase and the refrigerator is more difficult to assemble. Also, such a hinge may have a relatively high rate of failure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure has been made in an effort to provide a tiltable pocket, shelf or bin structure capable of tilting or rotating without a hinge or a tilt case.

The present disclosure has been made in an effort to control a rotational angle of the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin using a tilt stopper.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator including: a door, a tiltable pocket, shelf or bin including a connecting shaft and a suspension projection, where the connecting shaft couples the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin to a door, and the suspension projection fixes a rotational angle of the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin and a tilt stopper on a surface of the door and coupled to the connecting shaft that prevents the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin from rotating beyond a predetermined angle.

The tilt stopper may include a suspension member and one or more hangers inside the suspension member to support the suspension member. The suspension member may have a rounded or arc-like shape.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator including: a door, a tiltable pocket, shelf or bin including a connecting shaft and a suspension projection, where the connecting shaft couples the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin to the door so the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin may rotate, a tilt stopper that prevents the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin from rotating beyond a first predetermined angle, and a sub-stopper configured to stop the rotation of the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin at a second predetermined angle.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, since the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin can be rotated using a connecting shaft that fixes a pocket, shelf or bin inside the door, a tilting case is not required. As a result, manufacturing costs may decrease and the refrigerator may be easier to assemble.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, exemplary embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, exemplary embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of an untilted tilt pocket in the related art.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a tilted tilt pocket in the related art.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary refrigerator door having an exemplary tiltable pocket, shelf or bin, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary stopper.

FIGS. 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views illustrating an exemplary tiltable pocket, shelf or bin joined to a refrigerator door according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary tiltable pocket, shelf or bin connected to a refrigerator door according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary refrigerator having one or more exemplary tiltable pockets, shelves or bins on an inside surface of a door according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawing, which forms a part hereof. The illustrative exemplary embodiments described in the detailed description, drawing, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other exemplary embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure can be easily by those skilled in the art. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described exemplary embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure and are not limited to exemplary embodiments described herein.

It is noted that the drawings are schematic and are not dimensionally illustrated. Relative sizes and proportions of parts in the drawings are exaggerated or reduced in their sizes, and a predetermined size is just exemplary and not limiting. The same reference numerals designate the same structures, elements, or parts illustrated in the two or more drawings in order to exhibit the same or similar characteristics.

Embodiments of the present disclosure illustrate ideal embodiments of the present disclosure in detail. As a result, various modifications of the drawings are expected. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiment is not limited to a specific form of the illustrated region, and for example, includes modifications of form (e.g., by manufacturing).

Hereinafter, one or more exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. A configuration of the present disclosure and an operation and an effect according to the configuration of the present disclosure will be clearly understood by the detailed description below. The same elements may be designated by the same reference numerals, although the elements are illustrated in different drawings, and a detailed explanation of publicly known configurations may be omitted so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary refrigerator having a tiltable pocket, shelf or bin and a door, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the refrigerator includes a tiltable pocket, shelf or bin 21, a tilt stopper 24, and a door bead 20, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

The tiltable pocket, shelf or bin 21 includes a connecting shaft 25 fixed to one side or each of two opposite sides of a case inside a refrigerator door.

The tiltable pocket, shelf or bin 21 includes a suspension projection 26 configured to set or adjust a rotational angle of the tilt pocket, shelf or bin 21. The left and right sides of the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin 21 have a connecting shaft 25 and a suspension projection 26 thereon.

The tilt stopper 24 prevents the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin 21 from rotating beyond a predetermined angle.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the tilt stopper 24 includes a hinge groove 242 to be joined to the connecting shaft 25 of the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin 21 around which the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin 21 rotates.

The tilt stopper 24 includes a stopper fixing unit 241 connecting the tilt stopper 24 to the inside of a door.

The stopper fixing unit 241 includes a projection which protrudes outward (e.g., toward the refrigerator door) as illustrated in FIG. 3, and an insert 23, as illustrated in FIG. 2, at a position corresponding to the projection inside the refrigerator door that receives the projection of fixing unit 241 and joins the stopper fixing unit 241 to a surface of the door insert.

In another embodiment, the stopper fixing unit 241 has one or more holes or openings, and when the stopper fixing unit 241 is joined to the inside of the refrigerator door, a protrusion on the door contacts the hole or opening of the stopper fixing unit 241 and connects the stopper fixing unit 241 to a surface of the door.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the tilt stopper 24 includes a suspension member 243 and a body, and the suspension member 243 may be hook-shaped and stops the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin from rotating when the suspension member 243 contacts suspension projection 26 of the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin 21. The body portion includes the hinge hole or opening 242 and the stopper fixing unit 241.

The hinge hole or opening 242 may be on an inner surface corresponding to the connecting shaft of the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin 21, and the hinge hole or opening 242 and the connecting shaft 25 may have complementary shapes (e.g., a cylindrical shape and a round shape). When the connecting shaft 25 of the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin 21 is inserted into the hinge hole or opening 242, the hinge hole or opening 242 enables the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin 21 to rotate around the connecting shaft 25.

One or more suspension bumps on which the suspension projection 26 catches are formed on the suspension member 243. The suspension member 243 may also include one or more concave troughs or depressions 245.

According to some embodiments, suspension member 243 has a plurality of concave troughs or depressions 245, and the suspension projection 26 has a round or cylindrical shape. As a result, when the suspension projection 26 crosses over a suspension bump 244, it catches on and/or in an adjacent concave trough/depression 245. The suspension projection 26 is positioned to cross over the suspension bump(s) 244 smoothly. The height of the suspension bump 244 is selected to enable smooth movement and secure catching of the suspension projection 26.

When the suspension member 243 has a plurality of concave troughs or depressions 245, the suspension projection 26 may be suspended on the suspension bumps 244 and rest in the concave troughs or depressions 245 of the suspension member 243 to control the rotational angle of the tiltable shelf, bin or pocket 21.

As illustrated in FIGS. A to 4C, when the tilt stopper 24 has three concave troughs or depressions 245, the rotational angle may be controlled in three stages (e.g., each stage changes the rotational angle by about 13°). Of course, there may be different numbers of bumps 244 and troughs 245 (e.g., 2-6), and the bumps and troughs may be configured so that different angles of tilt (e.g., 10-22.5°) are possible.

FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an initial state of an exemplary tiltable pocket, shelf or bin, where the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin is not rotated. When the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin is pulled forward (e.g., away from the door), the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin 21 rotates, and as a result, the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin 21 inclines or declines (e.g., tilts) forward at an angle. FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate such states of rotation.

FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary tiltable pocket, shelf or bin where suspension projection 26 is suspended on a first trough or depression of the hanger or bump 244 inside the door. In this case, the rotational angle is about 13°, although other angles are possible. In FIG. 4C, the suspension projection 26 is suspended on a third trough or depression of the hanger and rests upon the relatively thick neck of the tilt stopper 24. In this case, the rotational angle is about 39°.

Meanwhile, a sub-stopper 210 may on a lower surface of the door, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The sub-stopper 210 is inclined at an angle to prevent a lower end of the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin 21 from rotating beyond a predetermined angle.

The predetermined angle may be equal to or slightly less than the maximum angle of the rotation permitted by the tilt stopper 24. In the example of FIGS. 4C and 5, the predetermined angle may be 36°-39°. When the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin 21 rotates to a predetermined angle, the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin 21 contacts the sub-stopper and is prevented from rotating any further.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary refrigerator having one or more tiltable pocket, shelf or bins on an inner surface of a door, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a plurality of tiltable pocket, shelf or bins may be on a surface of a refrigerator door.

All of the aforementioned components are not particularly required and some thereof may be omitted.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiments disclosed in the specification of the present disclosure will not limit the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure will be interpreted by the claims below, and it will be construed that all techniques within the scope equivalent thereto belong to the scope of the present disclosure. 

1. A refrigerator, comprising: a door; a tiltable pocket, shelf or bin comprising a suspension projection; a pair of connecting shafts coupling the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin to the door; and a tilt stopper on a surface of the door coupled to one of the connecting shafts that prevents the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin from rotating beyond a predetermined angle, wherein the tilt stopper include a suspension member and plurality of hangers inside the suspension member to support the suspension member, wherein the suspension member has hook-shaped and stops the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin from rotating when the hanger contacts suspension projection of the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the suspension projection has a round or cylindrical shape.
 4. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hangers have a hook shape.
 5. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hangers comprise one or more concave troughs or depressions.
 6. The refrigerator of claim 5, wherein the each trough or depression provides a different rotational angle of the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin when engaged with the suspension projection.
 7. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the rotational angles provided by neighboring concave troughs or depressions have a difference of about 10-22.5°.
 8. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising a stopper fixing unit connecting the tilt stopper to a surface of the door.
 9. A refrigerator, comprising: a door; a tiltable pocket, shelf or bin comprising a suspension projection; a pair of connecting shafts coupling the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin to the door; a tilt stopper on a surface of the door coupled to one of the connecting shafts that prevents the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin from rotating beyond a first predetermined angle; and a sub-stopper on a lower surface of the door that prevents the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin from rotating beyond a second predetermined angle, wherein the tilt stopper include a suspension member and a plurality of hangers inside the suspension member to support the suspension member, wherein the suspension member has hook-shaped and stops the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin from rotating when the hanger contacts suspension projection of the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the suspension projection has a round or cylindrical shape.
 12. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the plurality of hangers have a hook shape.
 13. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the plurality of hangers comprise one or more concave troughs or depressions.
 14. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the each trough or depression provides a different rotational angle of the tiltable pocket, shelf or bin when engaged with the suspension projection.
 15. The refrigerator of claim 14, wherein the rotational angles provided by neighboring concave troughs or depressions have a difference of about 10-22.5°.
 16. The refrigerator of claim 9, further comprising a stopper fixing unit connecting the tilt stopper to a surface of the door. 